People say time flies, but the memories stay forever. Yes, it's true! So many events have passed by, and we feel a little bit nostalgic upon knowing the fact that 2002 was 20 years ago. Can you recall anything about what happened two decades ago? Wait, hold on, you were just born in that year? It's fine. I was only at the proper age to enter kindergarten too. But, we're just trying to take a look at what we used to love, what we lost, what changed and what haven't, and everything worth reminiscing about. Without further ado, let's go back in time!
Halle Berry Becomes The First Woman of Color To Win Best Actress in The Oscar
 Halle Berry 2002/ Foto: Getty Images/Getty Images |
You may know her from her role as Catwoman or the X-Men character Storm, but her career in the film industry began in 1991 through Spike Lee's Jungle Fever. In the 74th Academy Awards, Halle Berry is crowned Best Actress for her performance as a struggling widow in the romantic drama, Monster's Ball. Wrapped in anElie Saab net dress,Halle Berry delivers a touching and tear-jerking speech to celebrate the historic moment.
This moment was believed to be a stepping stone for women of color as Halle Berry stated in her speech, "This moment is so much bigger than me. (This moment is for) every nameless, faceless, woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened." Yet, to date, even though more women of color have won Best Supporting Actress at The Oscar, Halle Berry was the only woman of color to have ever won the grand title. Even the upcoming Oscar in March this year doesn't put any women of color within the Best Actress nominees. In retrospect, she expressed the heartbreaking fact that there was no one else to stand by her side for 20 years long.
Yu-Gi-Oh! cards was a must-have
 Yu Gi Oh Card Foto: Erik Mclean Unsplash |
Before K-popphotocards, Yu-Gi-Oh! collectible trading cards were the hottest trend in town! It was developed and established by a Japanese gaming company,Konami, with hundreds of these gaming cards printed in different colors and types that were used in the game. For instance, monster cards are in brown or yellow, fusion cards are in purple, magic cards are in green, and trap cards are in pink.
The design ranges from basic-looking cards to shiny, holofoil and gold foil, embossed, and even 3D prints. Some of the cards were produced in limited stocks, which are usually sold at a higher price. Sadly, the only card that I can remember is the blue-eyed white dragon card, which has a lot of stars and attack points. I believe it was the most famous Yu-Gi-Oh! card.
The trend may have simmered down, but they are still a thing! The cards are still being manufactured in Japan despite the anime that finished in 2004. If you still have several Yu-Gi-Oh! card set, reminisce the good old days by playing this strategy-survival card game. Don't lie! I know you missed the saying: "I activate my trap card!"
The devastating incident of the 2002 Bali Bombing
 Bali Bombing Memorial in Kuta/ Foto: Wikimedia Commons |
Occurred on October 12th, 2002, two nightclubs in Kuta, Bali, received catastrophic suicide bombing attacks by terrorist groups with up to 500 civilian casualties (202 deaths and 209 injuries) including tourists from 20 countries.
At 11 PM, three suicide bombers detonated explosives at Paddy's Bar, the Sari Club, and in front of the United States Consular office nearby Denpasar. The bombings are believed to be in retaliation for the US War On Terror in Afghanistan. Ali Imron, one of the people involved in the attack, reported to BBC that the bombing was intentionally planned on the first anniversary of the 9/11 incident. With the frequent American tourists and its associates, Bali became the right target for it.
To commemorate the victims of the bombings, memorials were built in six countries, including Indonesia, London, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and five memorial sites in Australia.
The legendary Nokia phones
 Nokia 3310/ Foto: Wikipedia |
Before everyone's clutching to their Samsung and iPhones, Nokia was the phone of the majority of the world. The first Nokia phone was established in 1987 with its big and chunky plus the antenna plucking out from the top of the device. This Finnish company if it's not in your acknowledgment--has contributed significantly to the telecommunication industry, especially in the development of GSM, 3G, and LTE.
It might not be my first phone, but I surely remember every type of Nokia phone I've ever had. For example, the classic 3100 Nokia, a simple and compact phone everyone used to have; the one with unique keypads, Nokia 7610; the cute red and white sliding phone everyone probably got their hands on, the Nokia 5300; down to the last Nokia I owned, Nokia 5130 Xpress Music in black and red along with three music buttons on the side of the screen.
Its durable, solid designs and long-lasting battery was everyone's favorite trait of Nokia phones. From simple ones, flip phones, and sliding phones to (finally) touch-screen phones, Nokia was the "IT" phone.
First FIFA World Cup to be held in Asia
 World Cup 2002/ Foto: Getty Images/jcamilobernal |
Established in 1930, the 17th FIFA World Cup was held in two Asian countries, Japan and South Korea. This event marks the first and the only time a World Cup was hosted by two countries and the first World Cup to be held in Asia.
There are several memorable events within the 2002 World Cup, including the most scandalous controversy in World Cup history that puts the co-host country, South Korea, in a bad spotlight despite having successfully made their way to the semi-final. This derives from the action of referee Byron Moreno that was heavily criticized for making favorable decisions towards South Korea in the matches with Spain and Italy.
On the other hand, former Brazilian player Ronaldo Nazarui scores the most goals with eight goals in total, bringing home the World Cup to Brazil. The victory over Germany made Brazil own the most wins in the World Cup up to this day (5 wins).
A lot has changed since two decades ago, and I did not expect that this would be a long read! But it's always fun to get nostalgic, remember the past, and reflect on the difference between now and then. And perhaps, 2002 will have the most memorable memories for some people, to the extent that Anne-Marie even made a song about it!
(HAI/MEL)